Conservation Advisor - Tree Pests and Disease

Position: Full-time permanent

Reporting to: Head of Conservation

Based: Grantham Office, Lincolnshire or Home based but must work a minimum of 3 days per week in the Grantham Office 

The Woodland Trust has been working to raise awareness of Tree Pests and Diseases for a number of years and has drawn attention to the need to enforce stricter measures to stop the import and spread of tree disease. Until a tragedy such as ash dieback becomes a reality, it is difficult to impress upon people the importance of protecting theUK's trees, the value of early detection and disease monitoring,  and the need to enforce stricter controls to prevent new pests and diseases entering the country. 

This role is to lead and represent the Trust’s work on plant/tree health and bio-security at theUKlevel and provide support to country colleagues in responding to differing approaches emerging in each part of theUK. In addition you will provide advice and technical support to our operational teams. 

You will liaise and maintain contact with all key stakeholders including the different relevant components of the FC and its country equivalents, and with key contacts in Defra, FERA, HTA, AA, ICF, ConFor and individuals in other organisations with an interest in plant health and bio-security in the constituent parts of the UK, providing support and advice to colleagues in the Trust’s country teams to facilitate appropriate engagement. 

You will also work closely with our communication team to develop and implement a communication plan that will highlight the key issues to both internal and external clients. 

You will have a proven experience in a technical capacity preferably in forestry, ecology or biological sciences. Knowledge of land management and some experience of advising and working with land owners, site managers or other businesses will be advantageous. 

For more information and how to apply visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk   

Closing Date:Sunday 2 June 2013

Interview date:Thursday 13 June 2013in Grantham,Lincolnshire